CTA's Day 21 Of Quarantine With Burrell's Alex Arledge
SOURCE: QB Hit List
Check out Alex Arledge: Alex is currently a junior at Burrell High School. He is the starting quarterback for the team as he helped Burrell record a 6-4 record in 2019. Even though Burrell had such a nice overall record in 2019 that included a 4-4 section record, they did not qualify for the WPIAL football playoffs for the seventh straight season. Individually, Arledge was making noise as the team's starting quarterback in 2019 as he was ranked 6th in the WPIAL in passing yards (2,462), and 5th in the WPIAL in passing touchdowns (27). Alex started his high school football career at Central Catholic, where he played as a freshman. Then, he transferred to Burrell and started playing football there in his sophomore year of high school. Last season was the first season that he started to become the team's starting quarterback. Arledge is a quarterback that the whole WPIAL should watch in 2020.
Questions & Answers:
What have you been doing during this COVID-19 crisis?
Alex Arledge: "I’ve been hitting the books and training hard everyday!"
Once the stay-at-home order is all over in your area, where is the first place that you want to go?
AA: "My high school field"
In 2019, you were ranked 6th in the WPIAL in passing yards (2,462), and 5th in the WPIAL in passing touchdowns (27). You were even named "Valley News Offensive Football Player Of The Year" in 2019. How did you feel after the season knowing that you statistically did well?
AA: "Honestly, I was more concerned with our team making the playoffs. It was nice getting the recognition and support from everyone, but my goal was 3,000 yards . I just gotta do better this season."
Your Burrell football team went 6-4 in 2019, but unfortunately did not make the WPIAL playoffs. Burrell has not made the WPIAL football playoffs in seven years. What do you think your team needs to do end that long playoff drought?
AA: Last season. we had a couple games that we should have finished- Elizabeth Forward [L, 26-34] and Mount Pleasant [L, 18-34]. That’s on us so we have to finish our games this year. We have a tall task with a tougher schedule this year.
So, you are part of a Pittsburgh Area utilizing training and football program called "Evolve". What's it like being apart of that program?
AA: "I’m thankful for all those coaches and the work they put in. Evolve is just a special place full of elite players. So, being a second year starter for them, I think is an accomplishment! Too bad our team wasn’t able to compete this year! We would have killed it."
What do you think separates you from the other high school prospects at your position (QB)?
AA: "Well I’ve been fortunate enough to train with some top QB's in the country . I think personally they’re all different in their own way . I just try to improve on everything each day. Making plays down field in the air will always be first for me."
So far, what has been your favorite high school memory?
AA: "The win against Freeport in overtime last season would be up there."
Mother's Day was just on Sunday. How did you celebrate it?
AA: "We had a small party at my grandma's house."
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
AA: Well, I actually can throw left or right handed. Also, I eat and write with my left hand.
Brentaro Yamane: bkyamane@gmail.com and Twitter/Instagram @BYHilton13